Stipple-grain metal plate for the graphic arts.



F. AOHERT. STIPPLE GRAIN METAL PLATE FOR THE GRAPHIC ARTS.

APPLICATION FILED APR.11, 1910.

993,938, I Patented May 30, 1911.

WITNESSES: v

UNITED STATE PATENT @FFEQ.

FREDERICK ACHERT, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO.

STIPPLE-GRAIN METAL PLATE FOR THE GRAPHIC ARTS.

Application filed April 11, 1910.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FREDERICK Aer-11am, a citizen of the United States,residing at Cincinnati, in the county of Hamilton and State of Ohio,have invented new and useful Improvements in stipple-Grain Metal Platesfor the Graphic Arts, of which the follow ing is a specification.

ally invention consists in what may be termed a standardized plate as anarticle of manufacture for use in the graphic arts,-

that is to say: a plate which has on its surface a systenlized stipplegrain composed of stipple dots of any shape, or lines, or curves or anycombination thereof, forming a high level, each minute stipple surface,of whatever figure, being insulated by relatively deep depressions. Thematerial of the plate may be zinc, aluminum or any other metal finishingto a light colored, unpolished surface; and the grain thereon may beproduced by the action of acids or by stamping, pressing, rolling,machine ruling or planing; so that, when completed, it may receive onthe stippled surface drawings made by crayons or other suitable pigmentsand serve as a basis for the production of riginal plates by chemical orphotographic manipulation ill the graphic trades by lithographers,etchers, process engravers, etc.

My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in whichFigures 1, 2 and 3 illustrate the systemized character of arrangement ofthe insulated stipple points or figures in three different forms ofillustration :Fig. 1 showing dots in combined systems or groups withindividual arrangement on straight and curved lines, merging the groupsin different relations; Fig. 2 showing a system of square stipplesarranged in straight lines crossing at right angles; and Fig. 3, asystem of short, straight lines in diagonal relations in echelon. Thesethree patterns are given as examples only, and any other systemizedarrangement, or any other shape of dots or lines, all may be used. Fig.1 is a much enlarged section through a series of con tiguous stipplesurfaces, showing the general plane surface formed by the stipples, withdepressions between; and Fig. 5 is a similar enlarged section showingthe condition of the surface when subjected to the final or finishingtreatment, and ready for the reception of the drawin Referring now tothe drawings: the plate Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 30, 1911.

Serial No. 554,662.

A is first brought to a true plane working surface, and by any suitablemeans is given a stippled surface according to the design selected (asindicated in part by Figs. 1, 2 and 3) by depressing or removing thematerial between and around the portions 2), leaving each such portionof the original surface surrounded by depressions or ditches c. If adrawing were now made on the general raised surface, the drawing pointor crayon would slide over the smooth surfaces of the raised stipplepattern, and the particles of the drawing pigment would tend to depositon and adhere to the sides of the stipple projection, instead of the surface, where wanted, and the resulting effect upon the work producedwould be inferior and disappointing. I therefore produce, over theentire surface, a minute, almost microscopic tooth or grain,as it were agrain-upon-agrain,-roughening the stipple surfaces or tips sufficientlyto take and retain the material of the drawing pencil upon suchsurfaces, and prevent the same from reaching the depressed surfaces;thus producing shadings made up of the systemized stipple-grain figures.The resulting effect is to produce a clear, sharp, and perfectly shadeddrawing, which, when treated by the usual means to finish the plate, foruse of the printer or lithographer, is retained in all its desirablecharacteristics in the resulting original or printing plate. The stipplegrained plate thus attained, is novel in the art; and the work producedthereon and therefrom is characterized by decided superiority in tone,clearness and finishdue to the ease and fidelity with which thecharacter-pattern of the systemized stipple surface, finished with thetooth grain of the stipple-points or surfaces cooperate'with the skillof the artist in presenting a perfect result-of his efforts.

I am aware that the idea of a metallic stipple-grained plate for use ofengravers, zinc-etchers, lithographers and printingplate makers ingeneral, is not broadly new; but from long practical experience in thegraphic arts, I am also aware that previous efforts to realizesatisfactory results have not been successful, and that the grainsurfaces on zinc, aluminum and other metal plates heretofore used, whichare of an irregular surface,the high points being of many differentsizes and shapes,have been very objectionable to the artists andillustrating operators, and have only been used and tolerated in defaultof an improved grain-surface. By giving the metal the artificial grainas herein indicated, by systematic arrangement and combination ofstippled points or lines constituting in the aggregate a level surface,with toothed surfaces for the adherence of the drawing pigment, I haveovercome the difliculty and completely solved the problem, and am ableto produce cheaply a plate having all the advantages growing out ofsubstitution of metal for stone, and, in addition thereto produced aproduct for use by lithographers, etchers, otisetpress and letter-pressprinters, by the use of which, results equal to penstipple andstipple-machine work can be attained at a much less cost.

I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent of theUnited States:

1. A metal plate for use in the graphic arts, having a systemizedstipple-grain surface, said surface being toothed by still finersuperimposed grain for holding the drawing pigment.

2. A standardized plate for use in the graphic arts as a basis for thedrawing and final conversion into an original plate, consisting of aplate of metal, having a systemized stipple-grain surface composed ofisolated stipple dots of any shape, or lines, or combinations of thesame, forming a uniform high level and isolated by interveningdepressions, said surface being roughened by a microscopic superimposedgrain.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of twosubscribing witnesses.

FREDERICK ACHERT. lVitnesses LEWIS M. HosEA, A. L. TILDESLEY.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents, Washington, I). G.

